The Cabbagetown People project brings to life the stories of more than 40 residents of the Cabbagetown neighbourhood of Toronto.

Dating back to the 1840s, Cabbagetown was first home to hundreds of Irish immigrants who came to the area during the Irish Potato Famine. Many of the new settlers used their front gardens to grow cabbage, and the nickname – Cabbagetown – stuck.

At CabbagetownPeople.ca, you can read the stories of the neighbourhood’s residents – ordinary people who nonetheless had a significant impact on their community and our history. Teachers can download an area map and brochure, or order additional resources.Teachers in the Toronto area can use the resources for a self-guided tour, or can book a walking tour for their class.

The stories of Cabbagetown People are varied and vivid, and a great example of how history thrives in our own backyard. Visit CabbagetownPeople.ca to start exploring!

Dr. Roland Sawatzky tells us about the Wintering Camp collection, artifacts discovered in an archaeological dig where the first work party of Selkirk Settlers wintered near York Factory on the Hudson’s Bay.